North Shore Moving Tips

If you are ready to accomplish your North Shore real estate market goals this summer, in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, I am here to help! As your North Shore real estate agent, I can assist you in selling, buying or both. The market is picking up! Home sales are up, mortgage rates are low and buyers are eager.

Whether selling or buying, a move is in your future. You should feel excited about your move, not anxious! To help with that, here are a few moving tips to help you feel prepared when the time comes:

1.  Have a packing plan, and get started. Even if your house isn’t listed yet, or you haven’t applied for a mortgage loan yet, it’s never too early to have a packing plan! As soon as possible, start decluttering and donating, recycling, selling or tossing anything you no longer need or want. The less stuff you have to move, the better! If there is stuff you know you won’t need before the move, like winter clothes or holiday decorations, get those boxed and stored early. Create a plan for each week, so you don’t get caught with everything to do last minute.

2.  Choose a moving date. When planning your move, whether across town or across country, it’s wise to plan ahead with your work schedule and to schedule with a moving company as soon as you know when you can move. Summer tends to be the busiest moving season, so aim for mid-week and mid-month if you can. Weekends and the beginning or end of the month are the busiest times.

3.  Research moving companies. Before scheduling with a moving company, do your research to find one that is professional, reliable and experienced! Ask around for recommendations, and read reviews. Determine if you’ll need full-service, self-service or specialized, depending on what you have to move, how much, and what your budget is. Full-service will handle everything. Self-service handles only transportation. Specialized handles items like antiques, art, pianos, etc.

4.  Consider moving insurance. By law, all moving companies must provide some sort of insurance. Ask your moving company what they offer and what is included in the insurance. Most insurance reimbursement is by weight, so if you have a valuable that doesn’t weigh a lot, that won’t help you much. Consider third-party moving insurance if you have many valuables. Another option, if you don’t have too many valuables, and they aren’t too heavy or large, is to pack them in your own vehicle and transport them yourself.

5.  Budget accordingly. Ask moving companies what they charge, and be sure to ask what is included in that price and what isn’t. Get a not-to-exceed estimate so you know what the max is that you’ll pay. If your belongings weigh less than estimated, you’ll pay less. It’s wise to have a moving company come out and give you an estimate based on your belongings, so you aren’t surprised. Also, don’t forget to tip your movers. It adds up, so best to be prepared!

Good luck planning your move! When ready to buy, sell or both in the North Shore real estate market, I am ready to help! Give me a call, your North Shore real estate agent!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Stay Connected during COVID-19 on Chicago’s North Shore

North Shore Family Dinners

If you’re experiencing cabin fever, boredom or loneliness at your North Shore home during this COVID-19 pandemic, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are many ways to stay connected with your community and loved ones, and ways to get involved in virtual offerings with others who share your interests and passions. As your North Shore real estate agent, I’m here to offer you some suggestions, so we can all get through this difficult time together!

1.  Reach out to family, friends and neighbors. Even though we have to social distance right now, we don’t have to stop talking. Call or text at least one friend, neighbor or family member each day. Set up at least one video chat each week. If you’re not good with technology, reach out for help. If you are good with it, create a tutorial for others to follow who aren’t as tech-savvy.

2.  Connect with those around you. If you’re lucky enough to live with others, consider yourself fortunate, and spend time connecting with them. Rather than everyone hanging out in their own rooms, set up game nights, movie nights, family dinners and baking nights, where everyone participates. Have a picnic in the backyard, play hide-and-seek, have daily or weekly check-ins to see how everyone is doing. If you have to be around each other, you might as well get along and connect!

3.  Join a virtual class. There are lots of free and low-cost offerings right now online, and this is a great way to connect to others you might not know, but who share in your interests. From virtual open mic nights and writing workshops to online yoga classes and free ivy league courses, there is something for everyone. Often these offerings have forums or comment sections, where you can share and connect with others who are taking the class as well. These help you feel connected to community, even from home!

4.  Help out in your community. This is a great way to feel connected to your neighbors and to do whatever you can to help those around you. If you’re healthy, make an appointment to donate blood. Reach out to seniors or those immunocompromised to see if you can help them with grocery shopping, or bring them cooked meals. Give a shelter animal a temporary foster home. Call your local food bank to see if they need donations. Order food, shop online or purchase gift cards from a local business.

If you are feeling lonely or emotional, reach out! We are all in this together, and we will get through this together. If you have North Shore real estate goals you’d like to accomplish, reach out to me! As your North Shore real estate agent, I am still here to help you accomplish your real estate goals in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities. Real estate never stops, so let’s set up a virtual meeting and discuss your needs. I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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What to Do While Stuck in Your North Shore Home

North Shore Home Improvement Tips

Many of us are responsibly practicing social separation by staying in our North Shore homes until coronavirus blows over. If you find yourself already getting cabin fever, consider now a great time to accomplish some of the projects you’ve been wanting to do around the house! As your North Shore real estate agent, allow me to offer you some ideas, before you go stir crazy.

Declutter. Now is the perfect time to declutter your North Shore home. After all, no one likes spending time in a cluttered space, and clutter is found to increase anxiety, which none of us need right now. Grab some boxes or garbage bags and go through each closet, drawer, cabinet, etc. one at a time, removing anything you no longer need or use. Separate the unwanted items into piles to donate, sell, recycle or toss. You’ll feel so much better once this is done, and if you want to sell your North Shore home this spring or summer, you’ll be one step ahead of the crowd by getting this done now!

Spring clean. Once you declutter the home, take it one step further and get your spring cleaning done! Whether you usually spring clean your home, or it’s just something on your wish list every year, this year is the perfect chance to actually make it happen. Take one room at a time. Dust, vacuum, scrub, organize. Give each member of the family a list of chores, then reward all of you at the end. Clean your windows well so you can enjoy the spring sunshine and outdoor views while stuck inside. Clean out your refrigerator and pantry of expired food and condiments so everyone knows what’s safe to eat and what’s not. Again, house cleaning is another important step to the home-selling process, if this is on your future to-do list.

Home improvement. Now is also a great time to work on some of the home improvement projects you’ve been putting off. You might not want to head to the store for supplies, but see what you can order online, such as updated cabinet and drawer handles, modern lighting fixtures, or window treatments. If you have leftover paint stored in your house, consider giving your rooms a paint refresh. Do some DIY projects around the house. House Beautiful shared a great list of 27 DIY options for when you’re stuck in the house. If you’ve been wanting to turn a room into a guest room, or office, make the switch now. 

If you want to sell your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, keep up with housing market statistics and get in touch with me. If you want to buy, organize your documents for a mortgage preapproval, start browsing listings and give me a call. As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to help! I am still working full-time to make your North Shore real estate goals a reality this spring, so don’t hesitate to give me a call and let’s see what we can do!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Remove Common Odors from Your North Shore Home

Odor-removing tips for North Shore homeowners

If you are selling your North Shore home soon, working ahead on your spring cleaning, or planning for guests to visit for spring holidays or spring break, now is a great time to combat house odors! Often, the most common types of house odors are undetected by the homeowners. We get used to the smells we’re around all the time. But when someone else comes into the house, they might notice them. Getting rid of these odors is key, especially when selling!

As your North Shore real estate agent, here are some tips for removing some of the most common house smells:

Pet smells – If you have pets, you most likely have a pet scent going on in your house, whether subtle or not. Most pet owners worry about urine smell the most, but odors could also come from pet hair, ears, slobber, pet toys, etc. To remove the odors, first clean the pet! Give them a good DIY cleaning, or make an appointment. Vacuum not only your floors, but couches, pet beds, throw blankets, etc. Use a crevice tool to get in tight spaces. Use baking soda on the carpet, or if there are urine spots, use baking soda with a half-water, half-vinegar solution. Wash pet toys.

Must/mildew – Even if your nose is blind to these smells, your eyes aren’t blind to the sight of them! If you have a basement, crawlspace or anywhere you suspect mold or mildew, inspect the area for gray or white splotches. If you find any, use household cleaners on mildew. If it’s fuzzy, it may be mold and you may want to call in professionals. Prevent it from coming back with a dehumidifier in the basement, running the fan during showers in the bathroom, and improving air circulation. Deodorize these rooms in a pinch by setting out bowls of vinegar, baking soda, or even half an onion.

Old mattresses – It’s not your fault if old bedding has a smell to it. Every person sheds dead skin and body oils when sleeping, so these are going to build up no matter what. The easiest way to clean a mattress is to sprinkle baking soda over it, let it sit for an hour, then vacuum it up. Add a couple drops of an essential oil to the baking soda for a lasting good scent. Wash your sheets and bedding regularly. Use this trick on pillows if they can’t be washed, or run in washing machine if they can.

Kitchen odors – These are the most common types of odors, especially if you cook often. Take the trash out regularly, and put some baking soda or fresh coffee grounds at the bottom of a clean trash can to soak up smells. Clean out the fridge/freezer of spoiled food and clean the insides and all of the shelves. Open the windows/doors to help strong food smells escape faster.

For more odor tips, check out this House Logic article. When ready to sell and/or buy in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, give me a call! As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here and ready to help you accomplish your North Shore real estate goals as soon as you are!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Pre-Mortgage Application Checklist for North Shore Buyers

North Shore Home-Buying Tips

If you are gearing up to purchase a North Shore home this winter or spring, what do you think is the first step to beginning the home-buying process? Starting to search the internet for a home? Before you do that, you should get pre-approved for a mortgage loan, as sellers will take you more seriously, the process with run faster and smoother, and you’ll know exactly what your budget is.

However, applying for a mortgage loan is also not the first step. There are a few steps you should take BEFORE you apply, and as your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to share these with you:

1.  Check your credit score. Your credit score has a huge bearing on what mortgage interest rate you’ll be offered. The higher your score, the lower your rate. Your credit score is a summary of your credit history. If your score is lower than you’d hoped, check your credit report for errors, and spend time paying off debt, paying bills on time, and lifting that score up. This takes time, so the sooner you start, the better!

2.  Get your documents together. Once you apply for a mortgage loan, you’ll have to bring in a lot of financial documentation. By finding these ahead of time and making copies, you’ll be more prepared for the process. For online mortgage applications, scan these documents onto your computer. Items you will need are tax returns from the past few years, W-2s or 1099s from the past few years, bank statements from the past few months, copy of driver’s license and social security card, employer contact info, pay stubs and so on.

3.  Shop around for mortgages. Before you apply, ask around for recommendations from your real estate agent and from friends/family who have recently bought homes. Check out online reviews. Apply for mortgages from a few different sources. As long as these applications are done within a two-week period, they count as a single credit pull, so more than one won’t hurt your credit any more than just one. Studies have found that buyers who shopped around for a mortgage saved thousands of dollars during the life of their loan! It’s worth the extra time and effort if it saves you money, right?

If you have any questions, or you’re looking for recommendations on mortgage lenders, give me a call! As your North Shore real estate agent, I can answer your questions and get you started on the home-buying process. Whether searching in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, or other North Shore communities, I can help you find the home of your dreams!

Winter is the new spring when it comes to buying. Data shows that February is the busiest month for listing clicks online. Therefore, there’s no need to wait! If you’d like to buy, start today. If you’d like to sell, competition is low and buyers are eager! Give me a call for all of your needs in the North Shore real estate market this winter!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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How to Make Your North Shore Home More Sustainable

Sustainability is a hot topic in today’s world! People want to make their lives more sustainable, which includes their homes. If it’s a goal of yours to make your North Shore home more sustainable in 2020, as your North Shore real estate agent, I’m here to share some tips. The perk to sustainability is that many of these tricks can help lower your energy costs, and can increase your home value when you go to sell!

1.  Insulation and heating. Winter is a great time to tackle this step! Have an energy audit done to determine your home’s efficiency. Or, take the old fashioned route and hold a candle up near windows and doors to see where there are drafts. Either way, you’ll know where to air seal by caulking gaps. If your home was built before 1990, you may need to update your heating and cooling system. There are many new, more sustainable options, such as geothermal ground source heat or air source heat pumps. A programmable thermostat is a great, easy way to cut back on energy usage when you’re not home.

2.  Landscaping and water. When planning for your landscaping in 2020, opt for sustainable methods, such as growing native plants, incorporating permeable pavers, and using drip irrigation systems, all which help cut down on water usage. Planting large shade trees can help shade your home, cutting back on air-conditioning usage in the summer. Collecting rain water for watering your gardens on dry days will cut back on water usage. And of course, watering at the correct times of the day help the water properly absorb, like as the sun is rising, or when it is setting.

3.  Solar panels. These are growing more popular among homeowners with each passing year. The tax credit for the system cost is 26 percent in 2020, 22 percent in 2021, and 10 percent in 2022, so the sooner you add them, the more you’ll save! It’s wise to invest in solar panels and a battery storage system, to allow you to store energy when the sun isn’t shining. It’s an investment, but it can yield a huge decrease in energy costs over the long-run. For a less expensive approach, update your roof with light-colored shingles, which retain less heat.

4.  Lights. The cheapest source of lighting for your North Shore home is natural light! In the winter, always allow natural light to stream in during the day, warming your home and also making it more cheerful. For artificial lighting, LEDs are still the preferred choice. They use 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

Check out this sustainability article from Realtor Magazine for tips on how to make your home more sustainable in the areas of plumbing, natural materials, transportation, recycling and building materials as well. Lots of information is available to keep you busy this year!

When ready to achieve your North Shore real estate goals in 2020, give me a call! As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here and ready to help you achieve all of your home-selling and/or home-buying goals in the New Year.

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Sell Your North Shore Home This Holiday Season

If you need to sell your North Shore home this holiday season, give me a call, your North Shore real estate agent! I am here to help year-round with your North Shore real estate market needs. Even if you’d just like to sell your home soon, the holiday season might be the ideal time to do so. Did you know there are many perks to selling during the holidays? Here are a few of them:

1.  There is less competition. The biggest perk of all is that the holidays are typically the time of year with the least number of listings. Most homeowners don’t want to deal with staging, showings and open houses during the holiday season. However, if looking for a fast sale, it pays to sell now! There are only serious buyers looking right now. With less competition, you’ll have more buyers checking out your home and hopefully putting in strong offers. (This is true after the holidays as well, all winter long, until the spring market arrives.)

2.  You can use the holidays to your advantage. After the holidays are over, we’ve still got a few dark months with short, cold days ahead of us. At least during the holidays, you can liven up your North Shore home with neutral holiday décor and holiday aromas, making your home seem extra cozy and bright! You shouldn’t go too crazy with décor, but some well-placed garland, white lights, door wreaths and a staged Christmas tree can go a long way.

3.  The process will go faster. Because there is less activity in the North Shore real estate market during the holidays (and the winter season as a whole), the home-selling process may go faster. Once you accept a buyer’s offer, the mortgage loan process should go faster for the buyer, along with scheduling a home inspection, appraisal, closing, etc.

4.  It’s better if buying, too. If you are buying another home while selling your home, the holidays and winter season have advantages for buyers, too. You will score tax advantages sooner by purchasing before year’s end. The home-buying process will go faster for you with less competition and activity from other buyers. You might be able to negotiate a great deal. Mortgage rates are low right now. You could be settled into your new living space by the time the holidays arrive if you act fast!

If you’d like to sell your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, you must have a good reason for wanting or needing to move. Why put it off? As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to help! Give me a call with home-selling questions, or to get started on the home-selling process. The sooner we begin, the sooner you will be settled into your new living space! I look forward to helping you out, this month or in the New Year.

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Renovations to Do & Not Do Before Selling North Shore Home

North Shore Home Renovations

When you sell your North Shore home, you want to ensure that you’re getting the best price possible for your home! This might mean making some upgrades, if your home is outdated. As your North Shore real estate agent, I’m here to inform you which renovations are smart, and which are smarter to skip.

It’s important to realize that not all home upgrades are equal! Some have impressive returns on investment, or ROI, meaning you’ll get back most of what you put in. Others don’t have great ROI and could actually hurt your home value.

So, before renovating and selling your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, check out the best and worst home renovations:

Renovations to DO for your North Shore Home

Kitchen upgrades – Buyers love their kitchens! This is a make-it-or-break-it room for buyers. While an entire kitchen remodel costs a lot of money and might not pay off, small upgrades can go a long way, such as fresh paint, new counters or backsplash, or energy-efficient appliances.

Bathroom upgrades – Buyers love bathrooms and put a lot of their focus here as well. Create a space of tranquility and sensibility. An upgraded vanity is one great option, especially one that adds extra cabinet space or double sinks.

Paint – Freshly painted walls is one of the most affordable upgrades you can make for the best return on investment! Neutral, light colors appeal to most buyers. If you have wallpaper, you might want to consider taking it down and painting instead. Buyers don’t want to deal with this hassle.

Doors – Upgrading the doors of your house is a great way to modernize it, especially the outdoor doors, such as the front door or garage doors. A new front door yields the best ROI of all upgrades! If your door is already pretty new, consider giving it a fresh coat of paint.

Renovations to NOT DO for your North Shore Home

Sunroom – While some buyers will appreciate a sunroom, it’s more of a novelty than a utility. Most would rather have more outdoor space to enjoy. The ROI is only 45 percent for a sunroom. 

Pool – This entirely depends on the buyer. Some families with kids would love a pool. But, per the price of installing and maintaining a pool, the return on pools is less than 25 percent and could deter buyers who don’t want the hassle. 

Flooring – With so many options these days, flooring is a very personal choice. There’s a good chance your buyer will rip out your new flooring for their own choice, and buyers feel very strongly for or against carpeting. Your best bet is to clean or polish what you already have.

Converted garage – It sounds like a good idea, because buyers appreciate extra living space, but more buyers appreciate a place to store their cars, especially in the winter.

For more examples of renovations to make or skip, check out this MSN Money article. For help selling your North Shore home, contact me, your North Shore real estate agent! I am here to answer any home-selling questions you may have, and to help you achieve your real estate goals in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities. Give me a call today!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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North Shore Curb Appeal with a Fall Flair

If you’d like to sell your North Shore home this fall, or you’re just looking to decorate your home for the season, take advantage of fall décor options! As your North Shore real estate agent, I’m here to fill you in on some excellent options for your exterior this time of year.

1.  Use pumpkins to your advantage. Everybody loves pumpkins this time of year, along with gourds, mums, haystacks, etc. Use these fall items to your advantage by decorating your front entryway with them. Prop some pumpkins on the steps leading to your front door, or flank your door with pots of mums. Create a scene of hay, pumpkins and gourds. Don’t overdo it, just a few well-placed items will do.

2.  Upgrade current items with fall replacements. Rather than cluttering your front entryway with fall décor, just replace items you already have with ones that have a fall flair. For example, take down your summery door decoration and replace with a fall wreath made of pinecones, fall leaves or anything in a fall hue. Replace your doormat with one that has fall colors or outlines of fall leaves.

3.  Paint and clean. Sometimes all your curb appeal needs is some refreshing. Clean and repaint your front door to give it a real pop. You can opt for a fall color, such as bright red, yellow or orange, or go with whatever color suits you most. Clean your address numbers, front porch, siding, driveway, garage door, mailbox, etc., and give these a fresh coat of paint if need be.

4.  Don’t overdo it with the Halloween décor. Some homeowners just love to go all out on their Halloween décor, with fake spider webs, gravestones, Halloween-colored lights, motion-activated props and so on. If you are selling your North Shore home, you don’t want your listing photos to forever display a Halloween house, and you don’t want to turn buyers off. If you do decorate for Halloween, do so lightly, such as replacing your front porch light with a red or purple one. But sticking to neutral fall décor is best.

5.  Weatherproof your outdoor space. Show buyers that your outdoor space can also be enjoyed in the colder temperatures this fall. Hang curtains on a front porch to insulate it. Apply beautiful slipcovers to your outdoor furniture, and add rugs, pillows or throw blankets for added comfort. Play around with fall hues as color accents. Display lanterns, space heaters or candles for extra lighting and heat.

For more outdoor curb appeal ideas this fall, check out this House Beautiful article. When ready to sell your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, contact me! As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to answer your questions and to guide you through the home-selling and/or home-buying process. Fall is a great time to accomplish your real estate goals, before the chaos of the holiday season arrives. Don’t hesitate to give me a call!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Pricing Your North Shore Home to Sell

If you’d like to sell your North Shore home this fall, give me a call, your North Shore real estate agent! Together, we can come up with a listing price for your home and begin the home-selling process. There is a lot to think about when choosing a listing price wisely. Here are some considerations:

1.  Research the local market and recent sales. This is the most important step in determining the value of your home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities. I have the most recent stats on your local market and can find homes that have sold in the area that are similar to yours in age, size and location. I can see what they were listed for, what they sold for, how long they were on the market, and who the interested buyers were. This will help us determine a price range for your house.

2.  Determine your timeline. If you are eager to sell fast, pricing a bit on the lower end of the value range will attract the highest number of buyers. When they look at listings that include your home and homes similar to yours, if yours is priced a bit lower, they’ll flock to you. If it’s priced too low, they’ll wonder what’s wrong with it. We’ve got to get the number just right.

3.  Price it as an odd number. If we determine that your North Shore home is worth $500K, we might list it as $499K or some other similar number. Why not just list it as $500K? It’s psychology. The $499K looks like a smaller number to buyers, and if they search for houses below $500K, your home will come up in the search. You’ll notice that most listings aren’t given an even number.

4.  Listen to your agent. As long as you choose a North Shore real estate agent with years of experience and sales, you should feel confident in her pricing strategy. It’s our job as agents to know what works and what doesn’t. However, your sale price is an ongoing discussion, not a one-way street. You get a say. A lot of factors play in, so be ready to discuss and be flexible. The price may also change over time.

5.  Understand the appraisal process. Whether you get an appraisal before listing, or your appraisal comes in after you’ve accepted an offer from a buyer, don’t be surprised if it is different than what you expected, especially if you price high. Appraisers focus on many factors, such as the age of the home, square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of the lot, location and so on.

For more information on pricing a home to sell, check out this MSN Money article. If you have questions about pricing, listing or selling in the North Shore real estate market, give me a call! As an experienced North Shore real estate agent, I can answer your questions and guide you through the entire home-selling and/or home-buying process.

This fall is a great time to achieve your real estate goals in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities Contact me today!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Real Estate Lingo for North Shore Homebuyers

If you are gearing up to buy a North Shore home for the first time, or it’s been awhile since you have bought, you may need a quick real estate lingo 101 course. As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to help! Here’s a rundown of the most common words you will hear as a buyer, so when you go to purchase a home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, you’ll feel knowledgeable and prepared!

Real estate agent – This is the professional who will help you purchase a home. I am an agent on Chicago’s North Shore. I will help you find homes for sale in the area, I will help you set up showings to see the homes, I will help you negotiate a price and contingencies, I will help you understand the paperwork, I can offer suggestions for other professionals you need help from, etc.

Appraiser/appraisal – Once you have your offer accepted on a home, you will have an appraisal done. Usually the bank with your mortgage loan will require this to secure financing. It’s a professional analysis used to determine the current value of the home. The appraiser is the person who completes the appraisal.

Home inspection/inspector – A buyer should have a home inspection done on a home before closing. This will allow you to know of any issues with the home, such as with the foundation, electricity, plumbing, etc. The inspector is the person who completes the inspection. If a lot comes up, you can back out if there are too many expensive issues, or you can try to renegotiate the price.

Closing costs – There are costs involved in completing a real estate transaction. These costs include title insurance, financing costs, taxes and more. Ask your mortgage lender for a complete list of closing cost items and an estimate of how much they will cost. Buyers need to be prepared to pay these.

Down payment – This is how much money you have to put down on the house upfront. Down payments are usually between 3 and 20 percent of the price of the home, depending on what type of loan you take out. Ask your lender what options are available to you.

Mortgage rate – Interest rates for mortgage loans fluctuate, but the lower yours is, the less you’ll pay over the long run. The interest rate gets added to your monthly mortgage payment over the lifetime of the loan. Right now, rates are very low, which is great news for buyers!

Pre-approval letter – This is a letter from a mortgage lender, proving that you do qualify for a mortgage loan for a specific amount. It is smart to get this before beginning your home search, so you have proof for the seller that you can afford their home.

Credit score – Everyone has a score between 300 and 850 that shows how good or poor your credit history is. The higher the number, the better it looks to mortgage lenders. It proves how likely it is you can and will pay back your mortgage debt.

If you have questions, or you’re ready to buy in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, give me a call! As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to help!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Moving Tips for North Shore Buyers & Sellers

Once you sell, buy or both in the North Shore real estate market, it’s an exciting feeling of accomplishment! Unfortunately, the stress of moving can get in the way of your celebration. As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to share some moving tips with you, so you can plan ahead and make the process as least stressful as possible!

Plan ahead in twos – Moving experts recommend that you think in terms of twos before moving. Start planning your move two months beforehand, and start packing two weeks before. This isn’t always possible, as you don’t know when exactly you will sell or buy, but start planning early.

Make a timeline – Create a timeline for yourself, such as packing up one room each week, or packing up items you know you won’t need before the move, or at least decluttering and getting rid of items you don’t want to move with. Consider hosting a yard sale or donating.

Follow a checklist – There are a lot of things to keep in mind, so don’t try to remember them all without a checklist. Write down what needs to happen before or right after the move, such as hiring a moving company, cancelling or changing utility services, changing mailing address, changing locks, scheduling cable and internet installation, etc. These are all things you’ll want to do quickly.

Treat moving like a marathon – Don’t leave everything last minute like a sprint. Start early and take your time, going through each room, starting with small tasks, getting rid of anything you no longer need, packaging everything to keep it safe, and marking all the boxes clearly with what is in them and which room they belong in.

Plan for the new space – Once you know where you’ll be moving, study the floor plan and square footage of each room, to determine if your current furniture will fit in the rooms and through the doorways. If something won’t fit, there’s no use in bringing it. If something needs to be taken apart to fit, that is something you can do ahead of time.

Contact moving company – Spend time reading reviews and asking for recommendations on a moving company, so you find one that is trustworthy and reliable. Check in two weeks ahead to confirm what time they are showing up on moving day, and check again the day before. Find out what you are responsible for doing ahead of time.

Pack a suitcase – You don’t want to feel rushed and anxious about unpacking, or lost without your essentials in your new home. Pack a suitcase with all of the things you will need your first few days in the new home, such as clothes for a few days, sheets and pillows, toiletries, medications, etc.

Good luck with the move! If you still need to sell and/or buy in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, I am here to help! Contact me, your North Shore real estate agent, for help accomplishing your real estate goals this summer!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Is It Time to Upsize or Downsize Your North Shore Home?

If you are a current North Shore homeowner or renter, now may be the time to consider if your living space is suitable for your current and future needs. This summer is a great time to sell your North Shore home, as buyer demand is high and prices have continued to increase at a steady rate. It’s also a great time to buy again after you sell, because mortgage rates have remained low!

As your North Shore real estate agent, I understand that homeowners and renters sometimes have to move, even if they love their home, so that it better fits their needs. If you’re considering a relocation in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, now is the time to contact me and get started!

If you’re not sure if you need to upsize or downsize your home, here are some questions to ask:

1.  Is there enough space for you? If you have a growing family, you may have started to notice that your kids are outgrowing their shared bedrooms, or that the kitchen or dining space feels crammed at mealtime.  If your family is continuing to grow, your North Shore home may need to grow, too.

2.  Is there too much space for you? On the other hand, perhaps you are retired or will soon be retiring, and your adult children have moved out. Your home is bigger than you know what to do with. If the stairs are becoming a nuisance, or the cleaning seems endless, it may be time to downsize.

3.  Is the yard too big or small? Buyers are seeking outdoor space, so if you have a growing family, with either kids or pets, you may be wanting a larger yard to enjoy. If you’re thinking of downsizing, keeping up with the mowing and gardening in your large yard might feel like too much work now.

4.  Could you use a location improvement? If you are growing your family, you may be seeking a new location with a more family-friendly neighborhood, community amenities, safety and better schools. If downsizing, you may be seeking a location closer to family or in walking distance to restaurants, stores or public transportation.

5.  Has your financial situation changed? If you recently got a better paying job or a promotion, you may be ready to move up to a bigger, better home. If you recently lost a job or had an unforeseen expense arise, or you’re retiring and want to do some traveling, you may be wanting to lower your mortgage.

Our needs are constantly changing in life, so it’s only normal for our real estate needs to change as well! If you think you might be ready to upsize or downsize your North Shore home soon, give me a call. As your North Shore real estate agent, I can answer your questions, help you sell, and help you find a home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, that better suits your current and future needs!

     

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Benefits of Down Payment for North Shore Homebuyers

When it comes to buying a home in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities, there are many options for mortgage loans! North Shore homebuyers can shop around for a mortgage loan and see what works best for them and their finances.

As your North Shore real estate agent, I’m here to offer you some general information on your down payment options. There are many programs out there now that allow to you put down as little as 3 or 5 percent on a North Shore home. With VA loans for veterans, you don’t need any down payment.

These programs are wonderful for families who do not have 20 percent saved for a home, as they can start building wealth sooner as North Shore homeowners.  However, if you do have a large sum of money saved for a down payment, or you can save one soon, it might be worth it.

Here are some benefits of the traditional 20 percent down payment:

1.  You don’t have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI), which may be the biggest benefit of all. With less than 20 percent down, PMI is usually required as an insurance policy that protects the lender if you’re unable to pay your mortgage. This monthly fee is combined with your mortgage payment, making the amount you pay each month increase until you pay it off. This is not money you see again, so if you can avoid it, it’s best.

2.  Your interest rate will be lower. If you put down 20 percent on a home, your loan is seen as less risky than a loan with only 3 or 5 percent down. Therefore, you will most likely be offered a better rate, which means less money that you have to pay over time. This also means lower monthly mortgage payments over the life of your loan.

3.  You’ll pay less for your home. All of this combined means that the more you put down initially, the less you’ll pay over time, and the lower your monthly payments will be. The less you put down, the more interest you’ll be paying, and the higher your payments will be. 

4.  Your offer will stand out. It’s a competitive market, with inventory of homes for sale lower than average. This means that having a higher down payment will make you stand out to sellers, as they will have more confidence that the deal will go through because your financial situation is positive.

As you can see, if you can make a 20 percent down payment, you should. Usually current homeowners can use 20 percent from the sale of their current home for the purchase of their next home. For first-time buyers, it’s harder and not uncommon to put less than 20 percent down.

Every buyer situation is different, so your best bet is to meet with a local mortgage lender and discuss your options! When ready to buy in the North Shore real estate market, give me a call! As your North Shore real estate agent, I can help you find the home of your dreams that fits your budget!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

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Why to Work With a North Shore Real Estate Agent

If you’d like to sell in the North Shore real estate market this spring, it is best that you work with a real estate professional when doing so. Since I am a North Shore real estate agent, you don’t have to take my word for it! Here are some reasons that Inman News gives for sellers to definitely work with an agent when trying to sell:

1.  Reality vs. Knowledge. We have the internet at our fingertips, and therefore many homeowners in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities might feel like they can research the home-selling process and know as much as an agent will. However, free instant valuation tools on the internet may not be accurate. What you think you know about your local market might not be accurate. Even if you find stats, they might be at least a month old. The market is constantly changing! Only an agent will know what houses like yours are selling for, how long they were on the market, who the interested buyers were, what features the buyers were interested in most, etc.

2.  Problem-Solving. Again, you can research how to deal with issues that arise during the home-selling process, but every situation is different, and no amount of research will help you make fast decisions that won’t make a buyer go running. If an inspection reveals the worst, or an appraisal comes in less than the contract sales price, it’ll feel like the end of the world to the seller, but agents face these issues regularly and will know how to handle them.

3.  Negotiations. Real estate professionals are full-time, professional negotiators. Overcoming objection is what we excel at! You may have a personal attachment to your home and take every criticism personally. We won’t. We will carefully gather the data and let you know if themes emerge as to why buyers walk away, or what buyers purchase instead. We will also know how to negotiate on your behalf, and whether you should counter an offer or reject a low offer. Buyers will be working with buyer’s agents, also professional negotiators. You’ll want a seller’s agent on your side!

4.  Marketing. Agents will get your North Shore home seen far more than you will alone! Signs in the front yard don’t cut it anymore. Most buyers find their home online. This means that you need professional photographs and description of your home, you need it listed in as many places as possible, you need it shared on social media, and you need an agent who has mad connections. All of this combined will ensure that your home is seen by as many potential buyers as possible!

Read more about what an agent can do for you as a North Shore home sellers in this Inman News article. If you’ve got questions, or you’re ready to begin the home-selling process in the North Shore real estate market, give me a call! As an experienced North Shore real estate agent, I am here to help in every way that I can!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Why to Sell Your North Shore Home This Spring

If you’ve been wanting to sell your North Shore home, but have been putting it off, you’re not alone. There is a lot of pent-up seller demand! As your North Shore real estate agent, I am here to help you understand why this spring season might be the ideal time for you to sell and accomplish your real estate goals in Glencoe, Winnetka, Highland Park, Deerfield, Northbrook, Lake Forest, Wilmette, Evanston, Glenview, Riverwoods, Bannockburn, and other North Shore communities.

In the latest Seller Traffic Index released by the National Association of Realtors, home seller activity is weak nationwide, with only 11 states showing stable levels of seller traffic. The number of people that moved last year was half of what it was in the 1980s.

The amount of time a homeowner remains in their house has gotten longer as well. It used to be an average of six years from 1985 to 2008; now it is up to 9.5 years.

The economic downturn of 2008 played a big part, when homeowners found themselves in negative equity as home values dropped. Homeowners have been waiting for equity levels to rise. Now that they have, and home values are high, mortgage rates have also been increasing. Sellers have been waiting for interest rates to decrease before buying another home.

The conditions are perfect to sell now! Mortgage rates for 30-year fixed rate mortgages are around their lowest levels since January 2018. For anyone who would like to buy another home after they sell, or anyone buying for the first time, this is great news.

Because of the positive market conditions, 69 percent of people now believe that it’s a good time to sell a home, according to a NAR report. That means that the North Shore real estate market could see a major increase in listings soon!

North Shore homebuyers are ready. With lower interest rates, increased wages and signs of a strong economy, buyers are eager to buy now, before home prices increase more and interest rates increase again. If you list your North Shore home now, before the influx of listings, you could have a fast sale for a great price. If you wait, you might have a lot more competition from other sellers.

If you’d like to move up to your dream home, now is also the best time to sell, so you too can score a great interest rate while they remain low.

If you’d like to sell so you can downsize, retire or move closer to work or family, why wait? Home values are at a great place right now, and buyer demand is high. The sooner you sell, the sooner you could be settled into your new home for summer.

If you’ve got questions about the home-selling process or about market conditions on Chicago’s North Shore, I am here for you! As your North Shore real estate agent, I can answer any questions you may have, and I will guide you through the entire home-selling process. Give me a call today!

Janie Bress
Your North Shore Real Estate Expert

North Shore Real Estate
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Local Expert... with National Connections!